The stretch of the franchise where Vince started losing his spirit, Babcock was hired, Alvin Williams got hurt, Hoffa was drafted and Vince was subsequently traded to the Nets for basically nothing was a lot darker than this. We went from an exciting and successful team that seemed poised to be a contender in the East for years to come, to a team that had the bottom completely fall out of it in a matter of months. The fall from grace was a lot more devastating than the trudge through mediocrity that we've seen the last 5 years - although this isn't much fun either.

So, for fans that have followed this team for a long time, is this the darkest era of the Raptors franchise? Has it ever been this bad?

Sedriously? Lol Not even close.

We have a VERY solid core going forward, with a nice mix of experience on the roster; and while we have quite a bit of money committed, we have an owner that is now committed to spending quite a bit more money.
A few more good vets, a good coach and a good training camp, I think the playoffs are very much a possibility.

And no day will ever be as dark as the day I found out we traded Vince Carter for Eric and Aaron Williams ...

"That was Nasty right? Cocked that Joint back and banged on 'em." -James Johnson

Post Vince Trade was definitely the Darkest Days. Eric Williams and Aaron Williams - 2 solid defenders, but terrible offensive players were the reward for dealing our Star player. If the Raps wanted to move on from this current roster, most of our players would bring back a better return than what we got for Vince.

This is also one of the most talented rosters we've had in year. Gay and Lowry aren't perfect, but they are big time talents. Demar is still improving. Ross and JV has shown flashes (more so JV) and Amir is playing the best ball of his career (and even likes it here).

You should really just join a JV fan club forum or something. This forum is for RAPTORS FANS

No need to get offended mate. I'm trying my best to cheer for this team and my words weren't about players or fanbase being bad (I think Raptors have one of the best fanbases in the NBA). But you have to understand that it's a really difficult thing to do when you're not from Canada. I really hate this team's management and coaching. While management is below mediocre, I think that coaching is just pathetic. There is no way in hell Casey could coach an above .500 Euroleague team. Things like that make really hard for a foreigner to like this team. Still, JV/Amir makes this team watchable, even though the other main guys must be among the most selfish and chucking players in this league.

Conclusion: management and coaching HAVE to change in order for this team to become something worth cheering for.

Dark era, or not, but bad times don't last forever. And we have kinda great players on the paper. Sure we do need some adjustments. I'm positive about next seasons. Bad times don't last forever. If you are true raps fan, you should feel same way. Positive energy is important

We have a VERY solid core going forward, with a nice mix of experience on the roster; and while we have quite a bit of money committed, we have an owner that is now committed to spending quite a bit more money.
A few more good vets, a good coach and a good training camp, I think the playoffs are very much a possibility.

And no day will ever be as dark as the day I found out we traded Vince Carter for Eric and Aaron Williams ...

Yeah ... I don't get this thread.
Must have REALLY short memories, if this is the darkest days.

The stretch of the franchise where Vince started losing his spirit, Babcock was hired, Alvin Williams got hurt, Hoffa was drafted and Vince was subsequently traded to the Nets for basically nothing was a lot darker than this. We went from an exciting and successful team that seemed poised to be a contender in the East for years to come, to a team that had the bottom completely fall out of it in a matter of months. The fall from grace was a lot more devastating than the trudge through mediocrity that we've seen the last 5 years - although this isn't much fun either.

The Mike James leading scorer was the worst year for me. I watched maybe a handful of games that entire year, didn't go to a single game, barely checked highlights, probably the only year I couldn't name every guy on the team and had no reason to learn them all.